A Baton Rouge woman recently stood in court and faced her abuser, telling him, “I am a domestic violence survivor, but I’m not a victim. I’m a victor.”
Abuser Pleads Guilty
Willie Williams, 63, pleaded guilty on May 4 to aggravated battery after attacking his longtime girlfriend. The attack occurred while she was sitting in his car; when she fell out, he ran her over. Williams had originally been charged with attempted second-degree murder but pleaded down to aggravated battery.
The Survivor’s Story
Before the attack, the woman lived an active, healthy life. She used to walk five miles daily and jog another five miles. Now, her schedule revolves around physical and emotional therapy multiple times a week.
She told the court:
“My doctors say this is my new normal, with all these metal objects in my body. With all the depression, all the PTSD I was diagnosed with.”
The attack left her with severe injuries to her neck, spine, and leg, requiring multiple surgeries. Screws and rods now hold her bones in place permanently. Doctors told her she might never walk again.
Recovery and Support
After months bedridden, she progressed from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane, facing daily challenges such as leg pain, sudden headaches, and the loss of friends. She credited the neuro-medical team at Our Lady of the Lake and victim advocate coordinators at the District Attorney’s Office for her recovery.
Seeking refuge at the Iris Domestic Violence Center, she decided to confront Williams in court and share her story. Seeing the news of a nurse’s death at the hospital reminded her how fragile life can be and strengthened her resolve to survive and speak out.
Details of the Attack
The abuse occurred after a night of drinking at Jagg’s Classic Corner on May 19, 2024. A verbal argument escalated in the car, and Williams struck her to force her out. She tried to call 911, but he snatched her phone and threw it away. When she fell out of the car, he ran over her. Detectives later found a trail of blood and her missing left shoe.
Message to Other Survivors
The woman hopes her story encourages other victims of domestic violence to seek help and avoid returning to abusive relationships due to fear, embarrassment, or financial concerns.
She plans to host an event for survivors in October, during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to share her experiences and support others.
